After months of sweating and starvation... Challenge Complete

Well, I did it.  I committed the most I ever will to working out and eating healthy.  Here is what I learned...

1.  The only way I will ever have a six pack is in the beer form.
2.  I LOVE food.  It's true.  I LOVE it so much.  Both healthy and unhealthy, but that whole 500 calorie thing will be reserved to pre-wedding crash diets when I have to fit into a bridesmaid dress.
3.  You can't work out for a couple of weeks and then stop and think you are going to have the same body - it has to be a lifestyle.
4.  Because of #2 and #3 - the most important lesson in fitness, and really all of life is BALANCE.

I didn't reach my weight goal, but that is okay.  Apparently 128 is my personal best at this age unless I do something unhealthy like the Beyonce Maple Syrup diet.  But, I am stronger then I have ever been in my life, I look better now then I did when I was 20 and over all I just feel healthy.

Logan and I are committed to this new lifestyle.  I will continue to do some form of exercising 3-4 days a week.  (Come on, that is really all that is realistic.)  And when I am not 'exercising' I will be staying active from working on the house, cleaning, taking the dog on 30 minute walks, etc.  I will continue to cook more meals at home and make healthy snacks vs. eating out and getting convenient treats.  With that said, I will not feel bad about enjoying my cheat meals.  I just won't do it 5 days in a row like I used to.

The next blog, although will be a little late, will be my before and after photos side by side.  I don't have a Victoria Secret career in my future, but for the first time in my life I can honestly say that I am comfortable in my own skin.  I'm not ashamed of the figure I have been given and am happy with the way I look.  It took me 29 years to say that (wow that was the first time I've typed 29 - that felt weird.)

I saw this quote on my new obsession, Pinterest.  (If you haven't discovered Pinterest, good!  It will consume your free time!)  As I read it, I realized I was guilty of all the things it said NOT to do - now I am proud to say I LOVE all of these things about me now because they make me, me. This truth has made me a better wife, better friend and most importantly a happier version of me.  If you don't love yourself and all of your imperfections,  I highly suggest taking a good hard look at yourself in the mirror and don't stop staring until you see all the beauty looking back at you.  That is such a great freedom that no one can take away from us.